Tie Bar System with Interchangeable Covers

ABSTRACT

A modular and customizable tie bar system comprises a tie bar base, one or more tie bar covers, and a fastener. The tie bar base cooperates with a user&#39;s tie and comprises at least a mounting surface. Each tie bar cover comprises a cover plate and optional side walls. Each tie bar cover is preferably sized to cover and cooperate with the mounting surface of the tie bar base, has a decorative outer surface, and has an inner surface for facilitating attachment to the base. To facilitate removable attachment of the covers to the base, one or more fasteners such as magnets attach to the inner surface of the cover or to mounting surface of the base or to both. Preferably, several covers with differing decorative outer surfaces cooperate with a single base to allow for interchangeability and customization depending on the user&#39;s aesthetic preferences.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to wearable accessories. More particularly, this invention relates to a modular and customizable tie bar clasp system for ties.

BACKGROUND

A tie bar is a clothing accessory that is used to clip a tie to the underlying shirt front. Wearing a tie clip prevents it from swinging and ensures that the tie hangs straight, resulting in a neat, uniform appearance. Tie bars are also sometimes called tie clips or tie slides. In general, there are two popular types of tie bars: the pinch clasp type and the split pin slide type.

Before tie bars, tie pins were popular to hold one's tie to his shirt. As ties made of delicate materials such as silk became more popular during the 1920s, however, an alternative was necessary to prevent damaging the delicate material. Accordingly, tie bars rose to prominence. Tie bars ideally are placed around the fourth highest button on one's shirt and, if a jacket is worn, adjusted either higher or lower depending on the style of jacket. Additionally, a tie bar should only extend about ¾ of the way across the tie, and is preferably never wider than the tie.

Tie bars and tie clips are not only functional, but also decorative and informative. Tie bars come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to accommodate a wide variety of tastes. Additionally, some tie bars have markings or a small badge indicating membership to a club or some other affiliation. Likewise, they may be engraved or include some other commemorative token. In the United States, the tie bar is one of the few items of jewelry allowed to be worn by servicemen and women.

Because a person is likely to wear a variety of outfits, styles, and colors, it is often necessary to have many tie bars. For example, one person may have tie bars in gold, silver, one or more colors, one or more designs, and with one or more logos. To save space and to increase each tie bar's use, it would be desirable to provide a modular and customizable tie bar. Also, to allow for easy distribution and manufacturing of advertising or promotional materials, it would be desirable to provide a modular and customizable tie bar. It would be further desirable to have a modular and customizable tie bar that would allow users to have a variety of tie bar covers, some of which can be minimal in thickness, and a single tie bar to which they can be attached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A modular and customizable tie bar system comprises a tie bar base, one or more tie bar covers, and a fastener. Preferably, the tie bar system is a kit comprising one tie bar base and two or more tie bar covers where the tie bar covers are interchangeable and removably attach to the tie bar base with the fastener. More preferably, the kit comprises three or more tie bar covers and the covers vary in their external appearance such that no two tie bar covers are identical.

The tie bar base can be a pinch clasp, jaw-type clasp, split pin, R-pin, or any other type of clasp or slide that cooperates with a user's tie and shirt. Preferably, the tie bar base comprises a jaw or pinch clasp. More preferably, the tie bar base comprises a gripping unit (clasp) pivotally attached to a first bar. The first bar comprises a mounting surface and a bar extension, and the gripping unit comprises one or more teeth and a finger grip extension. Additionally, the tie bar base further optionally comprises a spring that is biased to position the finger grip extension in an up position and the teeth in a down position. The spring is further positioned and attached such that when a user pushes the finger grip extension to a down position, the teeth shift to an up position. When the teeth are in an up position, the tie bar can be moved. When the teeth are in a down position, the tie bar substantially grasps or secures material positioned between the tie bar base first bar and the tie bar gripping unit.

Each tie bar cover comprises a cover plate and one or more optional and preferable side walls. Each tie bar cover is preferably sized such that it substantially covers the tie bar base first bar when fastened to the plate. Each cover plate has an external surface and an internal surface. The external surface comprises decorative or additional functional elements while the internal surface cooperates with the fastener, which preferably comprises one or more magnets configured to magnetically cooperate with additional magnets disposed on the tie bar base or to magnetically cooperate with the tie bar base directly. The magnets are preferably attached to the tie bar cover and optionally to the tie bar base with adhesive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the tie bar system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the tie bar system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the tie bar system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the tie bar system of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a cut-away view of the preferred embodiment of the tie bar system of the present invention as cut along the line --V-V--.

FIG. 5B is a cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of the tie bar system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tie bar system of the present invention comprising several tie bar covers to form a kit.

FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred dimensions of each of the components of the preferred embodiment of the tie bar system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a modular and customizable tie bar system 10 that comprises one or more interchangeable tie bar covers and a tie bar base. As shown in FIGS. 1-5B, a modular and customizable tie bar system 10 comprises a tie bar base 20, one or more tie bar covers 30, and a fastener 40. Preferably, the tie bar system 10 is a kit 12 comprising one tie bar base 20 and two or more tie bar covers 30 where the tie bar covers are interchangeable and removably attach to the tie bar base with the fastener 40. More preferably, the kit 12 comprises three or more tie bar covers 30 and the covers vary in their external appearance or in the material from which they are made such that no two tie bar covers are identical, as shown in FIG. 6.

The tie bar base 20 can be a pinch clasp, jaw-type clasp, split pin, R-pin, or any other type of clasp or slide that cooperates with a user's tie and shirt. Preferably, the tie bar base comprises a jaw or pinch clasp. More preferably, the tie bar base 20 comprises a gripping unit 22 pivotally attached to a first bar 24 with a pin 26, hinge, or other fastener and an optional torsion spring 28 or other type of bias member. Alternatively, the first bar 24 is integral with gripping unit 22 and comprises of a resilient material that allows for some flexibility, such as a split pin or R-pin design. The first bar 24 comprises a mounting surface 24 a and a bar extension 24 b, and the gripping unit 22 comprises one or more teeth 22 a and a finger grip extension 22 b. Finger grip extension 22 b may optionally include ridges or indentations 22 c as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

First bar 24 further preferably defines at least one opening 24 c configured to cooperate with a pin 26 or other fastener. As shown in the Figures, opposing openings 24 c are defined by bar extension 24 b. Similarly, gripping unit 22 also defines one or more openings 22 d, that align with openings 24 c to cooperate with pin 26 or another fastener when pin 26 is inserted through the gripping unit openings 22 d and the bar openings 24 c, as shown in FIG. 2. Pin 26, which is sized to cooperate with bar openings 24 c and gripping unit openings comprises a simple pin or a spring pin and preferably includes a pin head at each end (not separately labelled) to prevent it from slipping out of the openings and is further preferably surrounded by a torsion spring 28 as shown in FIG. 2.

Optionally, the tie bar base 20 further comprises a torsion spring 28 or similar bias member or spring that is biased to position the finger grip extension 22 b in an up position and the teeth 22 a in a down or closed position. The spring 26 is further positioned and attached such that when a user pushes the finger grip extension 22 b to a down position, the teeth 22 a shift to an up or open position. When the teeth 22 a are in an up or open position, the tie bar can be moved or repositioned. When the teeth 22 a are in a down or closed position, the tie bar substantially grasps or secures material positioned between the tie bar base first bar 24 and the tie bar gripping unit 22.

Each tie bar cover 30 comprises a cover plate 32 and optionally one or more side walls 34. Optional side walls can be integral with cover plate 32 or fixedly attached thereto. Each tie bar cover 30 is preferably sized such that it substantially covers the tie bar base first bar 24 when attached to, positioned next to, or fastened to the plate. Each cover plate 32 has an outer surface 32 a and an inner surface 32 b. The outer surface 32 a comprises decorative or additional functional elements while the inner surface 32 b cooperates with the fastener 40 and first bar 24.

Fastener 40 preferably comprises one or more magnets 42 configured to magnetically cooperate with additional magnets 42 disposed on the tie bar base or to magnetically cooperate with the tie bar base directly. The magnets 42 are preferably attached to the tie bar cover 30 and optionally to the tie bar base 20 with adhesive. Alternatively, they can be attached with snaps, hooks and loops, slots and inserts, wedges, or other fasteners, as is known in the art. Preferably, magnets 42 are permanently fixed to either the tie bar cover inner surface 32 b, the tie bar first bar 24, or both. Where the tie bar first bar 24 is magnetic and the cover plate 32 is not magnetic, magnet 42 only needs to be attached to cover plate inner surface 32 b. Where the cover plate 32 is magnetic and the tie bar first bar 24 is not magnetic, magnet 42 only needs to be attached to tie bar first bar 24. Where neither the cover plate 32 nor the tie bar first bar 24 are magnetic, cooperating magnets 42 should be attached to both the tie bar first bar 24 and the cover plate inner surface 32 b. FIGS. 1-5A illustrate an embodiment where only one magnet is needed. FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment where cooperating magnets are needed.

Cover 30 as shown in the Figures is substantially rectangular in shape with rounded edges. More particularly, cover 30 is shown with rounded edges where the outer surface of cover plate 32 transitions to walls 34, which is the preferable configuration for cover 30. Alternatively, however, cover 30 may have sharp edges, may have less than four walls, may have no walls, may have an irregular perimeter, or may have an oval, circular, or other shape perimeter. For example, cover 30 may be rectangular, may be elliptical, or may have an overall shape that looks like an airplane or a race car. Additionally, cover 30 may have a convex outer surface, a concave outer surface, or an irregular outer surface. Cover 30 may also have additional components permanently affixed to it, integral with it, or removably attached to it. Cover 30 may be a solid color, may have multiple colors, may have a smooth texture, may have a rough, soft, or other textures, and may include text, images, patterns, or other designs.

Cover 30 may be made from a variety of materials. Additionally, it may be one element or may be several elements of varying materials or of like materials that are permanently attached or integrally formed. For example, cover 30 may be comprised of stainless steel, steel alloy, copper, environmental copper, other metals, wood, leather, suede, ceramic, plastic, semi-precious stone, silk-screen prints, enamel overlays, or any other similar material, coating, or combination of materials and coatings. For example, cover 30 may be comprised of stainless steel with a wood overlay, plastic with a suede overlay, plastic with wood embellishments, stainless steel with leather embellishments, environmental copper with a silk-screen print and enamel overlay or any other combination of materials. A kit 12, for example, may include four covers where a first cover is a rectangular stainless steel cover, a second cover is a rectangular gold or gold-plated cover, a third cover is a rectangular metal cover with a leather overlay, and a fourth cover is a rectangular wood cover, as is generally shown in FIG. 6.

The dimensions of the various components can vary depending on how small or large of a tie bar is desired. FIG. 7 illustrates dimensions in inches for a preferred embodiment of tie bar system 10, but is not intended to limit the scope of tie bar system 10 to these dimensions or to the specific dimensional relationships. For example, while tie bar system 10 is illustrated with a generally rectangular cover 30 that is 1.5 inches long and 0.25 inches wide, it can be further elongated or it can be shortened to more of a square shape. Additionally, it can be circular or irregularly shaped as well. Similar changes to the tie bar base 20, fastener 40, or other components are also within the scope of this invention. FIG. 7 includes dimensions for the cover 30, pin 26, and gripping unit 22 as shown in section 100, for the tie bar base 20 as shown in section 110, and the magnet 42 as shown in section 120.

To use the tie bar system 10 individually or as a kit 12, a user first selects a first cover that he wishes to use based on his selected outfit or his individual preferences. Then, if necessary, the user removes a second cover from the tie bar base. Once the tie bar base has no cover, the user then attaches the first cover to the base. After the cover has been attached, the user can then apply the tie bar to his tie and shirt as desired. If the tie bar system uses a clasp-type base as described in detail above, the user presses the finger extension to open the jaw or gripping unit, slides the tie bar base with cover attached into place on his outfit, and then releases the finger extension to close the jaw or gripping unit. To remove the tie bar base with cover attached from his outfit, the user again presses the finger extension to open the jaw or gripping unit, slides the tie bar base with cover attached off of his outfit, and then releases the finger extension to close the jaw or gripping unit.

While there has been illustrated and described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the invention disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. 

I claim:
 1. A tie bar system comprising: a. a tie bar base comprising a first bar attached to a gripping unit wherein the first bar comprises a mounting surface; b. a first cover comprising an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface is configured to cooperate with the mounting surface of the tie bar base; and c. one or more fasteners attached to the inner surface of the cover and positioned to facilitate removably attaching the cover to the tie bar base.
 2. The tie bar system of claim 1 wherein the tie bar base comprises a magnetic material and wherein the fasteners comprise one or more magnets substantially permanently attached to the inner surface of the first cover.
 3. The tie bar system of claim 1 wherein the first cover comprises a magnetic material and wherein the fasteners comprise one or more magnets substantially permanently attached to the mounting surface of the first bar.
 4. The tie bar system of claim 1 wherein the fasteners comprise a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein the first magnet is substantially permanently attached to the inner surface of the first cover, and wherein the second magnet is substantially permanently attached to the mounting surface of the first bar.
 5. The tie bar system of claim 1 wherein the fasteners comprise a plurality of first magnets and a plurality of second magnets, wherein the first magnets are substantially permanently attached to the inner surface of the first cover, and wherein the second magnets are substantially permanently attached to the mounting surface of the first bar.
 6. The tie bar system of claim 1 wherein the first bar is pivotally attached to the gripping unit.
 7. The tie bar system of claim 1 wherein the first bar is integral with the gripping unit.
 8. The tie bar system of claim 1 further comprising a second cover comprising an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface is configured to cooperate with the mounting surface of the tie bar base and wherein the first cover and the second cover have different outer surfaces.
 9. The tie bar system of claim 1 further comprising: a. a second cover comprising an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface is configured to cooperate with the mounting surface of the tie bar base; b. wherein the first cover comprises a first material; c. wherein the second cover comprises a second material; and d. wherein the first material is different than the second material.
 10. A tie bar system comprising: a. a tie bar base comprising a first bar attached to a gripping unit wherein the first bar comprises a mounting surface; b. at least two covers wherein each cover comprises an outer surface and an inner surface and wherein the inner surface of each cover is configured to independently cooperate with the mounting surface of the tie bar base; and c. one or more fasteners attached to the inner surfaces of each of the covers and positioned to facilitate removably attaching each of the covers to the tie bar base.
 11. The tie bar system of claim 10 wherein the tie bar base comprises a magnetic material and wherein the fasteners comprise one or more magnets substantially permanently attached to the inner surfaces of each of the covers.
 12. The tie bar system of claim 10 wherein each of the covers comprises a magnetic material and wherein the fasteners comprise one or more magnets substantially permanently attached to the mounting surface of the first bar.
 13. The tie bar system of claim 10 wherein the fasteners comprise a two or more first magnets and a second magnet, wherein one of the first magnets is substantially permanently attached to the inner surface of each of the covers, and wherein the second magnet is substantially permanently attached to the mounting surface of the first bar.
 14. The tie bar system of claim 10 wherein the fasteners comprise a plurality of first magnets and a plurality of second magnets, wherein some of the first magnets are substantially permanently attached to the inner surface of each cover, and wherein the second magnets are substantially permanently attached to the mounting surface of the first bar.
 15. The tie bar system of claim 10 wherein a first cover comprises a nonmagnetic material, wherein a second cover comprises a magnetic material, wherein the fasteners comprise a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein the first magnet is substantially permanently attached to the inner surface of the first cover, and wherein the second magnet is substantially permanently attached to the mounting surface of the first bar.
 16. The tie bar system of claim 10 wherein the first bar is pivotally attached to the gripping unit.
 17. The tie bar system of claim 10 wherein the first bar is integral with the gripping unit.
 18. The tie bar system of claim 10 comprising a first cover comprising a first outer surface, a second cover comprising a second outer surface, and a third cover comprising a third outer surface, wherein the first, second, and third outer surfaces have different appearances.
 19. A tie bar system comprising: a. a tie bar base comprising a first bar pivotally attached to a gripping unit wherein the first bar comprises a mounting surface; b. a base magnet substantially permanently attached to the mounting surface of the first bar; c. a first cover comprising an outer surface and an inner surface configured to cooperate with the mounting surface of the tie bar base; d. a first magnet substantially permanently attached to the inner surface of the first cover; e. a second cover comprising an outer surface and an inner surface configured to cooperate with the mounting surface of the tie bar base; f. a second magnet substantially permanently attached to the inner surface of the second cover; g. a third cover comprising an outer surface and an inner surface configured to cooperate with the mounting surface of the tie bar base; and h. a third magnet substantially permanently attached to the inner surface of the third cover.
 20. The tie bar system of claim 19 wherein the first cover comprises a first material, the second cover comprises a second material; and the third cover comprises a third material, and wherein the first material is not identical to the second material or the third material. 